U.S. patent number 5,611,170 [Application Number 08/425,410] was granted by the patent office on 1997-03-18 for tackle box having built in light.
Invention is credited to William Bray, John P. McGuff.
United States Patent |
5,611,170 |
McGuff , et al. |
March 18, 1997 |
Tackle box having built in light
Abstract
A fishing tackle box has a built in light for use in night
fishing. The tackle box has a main body, a hinged lid and three
fold-out trays. The light is carried on the end of a flexible arm
which allows the light to be adjusted to the desired position and
orientation. The arm and light may be stored in a trough in the
upper tray of the tackle box. In the storage position, the light
aligns with an opening in the end of the lid so that when the
tackle box is closed and is being carried, the light shines through
the opening.
Inventors: |
McGuff; John P. (Prairie
Village, KS), Bray; William (Overland Park, KS) |
Family
ID: |
23686449 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/425,410 |
Filed: |
April 20, 1995 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
43/57.1;
43/54.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K
97/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01K
97/06 (20060101); A01K 097/00 (); A01K
097/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;43/17.5,54.1,57.1,4
;206/315.11 ;362/154 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Rowan; Kurt
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kokjer, Kircher, Bowman &
Johnson
Claims
Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:
1. In a fishing tackle box having a box structure which includes a
body, a lid for the body having open and closed positions and at
least one storage tray enclosed in the body and lid in the closed
position of the lid, the improvement comprising:
a light operable to emit light when energized;
an elongate flexible arm connected with said box structure at one
end and with said light at the other end to mount the light to the
box structure, said arm having a storage position wherein said arm
and light are stored within said box structure when the lid is in
the closed position and said arm being extensible out of the box
structure when the lid is in the open position to support the light
at a plurality of selected positions and orientations; and
a window opening in said box structure aligned with said light in
the storage position of said arm to allow the light to be energized
for emitting light through said opening when the lid is in the
closed position.
2. The improvement of claim 1, including means for selectively
closing said window opening.
3. The improvement of claim 1, wherein:
said arm is connected at said one end thereof to said tray; and
said tray presents a trough in which said light and arm are stored
in the storage position.
4. The improvement of claim 3, wherein said lid has a wall
presenting said window opening therein.
5. The improvement of claim 4, wherein said arm includes a
plurality of individual links arranged end to end with each link
having a ball and socket connection with each adjacent link.
6. The improvement of claim 1, wherein:
said lid has a hinge connection to said body;
said box structure includes second and third trays;
said one tray and said second and third trays are connected to each
other and to said body and lid in a manner to make each tray
accessible when the lid is in the open position and to enclose each
tray within the lid in the closed position thereof;
said one tray overlies said second tray in the closed position of
the lid;
said second tray overlies said third tray in the closed position of
the lid; and
said arm is connected at said one end thereof to said one tray.
7. The improvement of claim 6, wherein:
said one tray presents a plurality of compartments for holding
fishing equipment; and
said one tray presents a trough in which said arm and light are
stored in the storage position of the arm.
8. The improvement of claim 7, wherein said lid has a wall
presenting said window opening therein.
9. The improvement of claim 6, wherein said lid has a wall
presenting said window opening therein.
10. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said arm includes a
plurality of individual links arranged end to end with each link
having a ball and socket connection with each adjacent link.
11. A fishing tackle box comprising:
a hollow body for holding fishing equipment;
a lid having a hinge connection with said body to permit the lid to
be opened and closed;
at least one tray enclosed within the body and lid when the lid is
closed, said tray being accessible when the lid is opened and being
constructed to hold fishing accessories;
a light operable to emit light when energized;
flexible arm means having one end connected with said tray and
another end connected with said light for mounting of the light to
the tray, said arm means having a storage position wherein the arm
means and light are stored in the tray and said arm means being
flexible to permit displacement of the light out of the tray for
support of the light at a variety of positions and orientations;
and
a wall of said lid presenting a window opening located in alignment
with said light when the lid is closed and said arm means is in the
storage position.
12. A tackle box as set forth in claim 11, wherein:
said tray has a plurality of compartments for holding fishing
equipment; and
said tray presents a trough in which said arm means and light are
stored in the storage position.
13. A tackle box as set forth in claim 12, wherein said arm means
comprises an elongate arm which includes a plurality of individual
link elements arranged end to end and connected together by ball
and socket means allowing each link element to swivel relative to
each adjacent link element for adjustment of the arm.
14. A tackle box as set forth in claim 11, wherein said arm means
comprises an elongate arm which includes a plurality of individual
link elements arranged end to end and connected together by ball
and socket means allowing each link element to swivel relative to
each adjacent link element for adjustment of the arm.
15. A fishing tackle box comprising:
a hollow body for holding fishing equipment;
a lid connected with said body for hinged movement between an open
position wherein the interior of said body is accessible and a
closed position wherein the contents of said body are enclosed;
at least one tray having a plurality of compartments for holding
fishing equipment, said tray being connected with said body and lid
in a manner exposing said compartments when the lid is in the open
position and enclosing said tray within the lid and body when the
lid is in the closed position;
an elongate trough in said tray;
a light operable to emit light when energized;
a flexible arm having one end connected with said tray and another
end carrying said light thereon, said arm being constructed in a
manner to accommodate flexing thereof to a variety of positions and
to maintain each of said positions to locate the light at a variety
of working positions, said arm having a storage position wherein
the arm and light are stored in said trough; and
a wall of said lid presenting a window opening located in alignment
with the light in the storage position of said arm when the lid is
in the closed position.
16. A tackle box as set forth in claim 15, wherein said arm
comprises a plurality of individual link elements arranged end to
end and connected together by ball and socket means allowing each
link element to swivel relative to each adjacent link element for
adjustment of the arm.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to fishing tackle boxes and more
particularly to a tackle box that is equipped with a built in light
to provide illumination for night fishing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Lures, sinkers and other fishing articles are typically carried in
a tackle box which may have several trays as well as the main box
area for storage of various items. During fishing at night or at
other times when the ambient light is inadequate, it is necessary
for an artificial light to be used to locate desired articles in
the tackle box, to bait hooks, and to carry out other activities.
Normally, a flashlight is used. However, the work that must be
performed often requires both hands. Consequently, the flashlight
must be held in the mouth, held under one arm, laid down, or used
in some other awkward way making it difficult to maintain the light
aimed at the proper location. It is thus frequently difficult to
provide proper lighting for the types of things that are involved
in fishing at night.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a tackle box having a built in
light that can be used effectively during night fishing. The
invention is characterized by a mounting arm for the light that is
flexible and adjustable to allow the light to be positioned where
desired, aimed at the desired location, and reliably maintained in
a stationary position. At the same time, the light can be stored in
a compact position within the tackle box when it is not needed. The
invention also features an opening in the end wall of the tackle
box lid through which the light can be directed when the tackle box
is closed. This permits the light to be used in the manner of a
flashlight without occupying an additional hand of the user, as the
tackle box and light are held together in one hand.
In accordance with the invention, a conventional three tray tackle
box has a trough formed in the upper tray between its opposite
ends. One end of a flexible mounting arm is secured to the upper
tray at one end of the trough. The other end of the arm carries a
small flashlight unit. The arm and light can be stored in the
trough where they are out of the way.
When the tackle box is open, the arm can be pulled out of the
trough and adjusted as desired to locate and aim the light either
into the box or at another place where light is needed. The arm is
constructed of link elements which are connected through ball and
socket joints so that the arm can be bent into virtually any shape
in order to properly aim the light. The ball and socket connections
are tight enough to maintain the arm in any shape and orientation
to which the user manipulates it. This assures that the light will
be held steady by the arm.
The end wall of the lid has a small window opening located in
alignment with the light when the lid is closed and the light and
arm are stored in the trough. Thus, the light can be turned on so
that it is directed out of the tackle box through the opening to
illuminate the area ahead of the user while he is walking, for
example. This eliminates the need for a separate flashlight and
maintains one hand of the user free to carry a fishing pole or
other equipment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification
and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like
reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various
views:
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a tackle box that is equipped
with a built in light in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, with the tackle box closed and portions
broken away and shown in section for purposes of illustration;
FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the tackle box taken generally
along line 2--2 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows, with
internal components shown in broken lines;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the tackle box taken generally along
line 3--3 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows, with a portion
of the lid broken away for purposes of illustration; and
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1, but showing
the tackle box in the fully open position with the built in light
set up for use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10 generally
designates a fishing tackle box which has a conventional
construction for the most part. The tackle box 10 has a generally
rectangular main body 12 which forms the base of the tackle box and
which serves to contain relatively large fishing articles that are
stored and carried in the box. The body 12 is hollow.
Along its back edge, the main body 12 of the tackle box is
connected with a lid 14 by suitable hinge connections 16. The lid
14 is generally rectangular and can be swung about the hinge axis
between the fully closed position shown in FIG. 2 and the fully
open position shown in FIG. 4. In the closed position, the lid 14
overlies the body 12 and encloses the articles contained in the
body. The lid 14 may be latched in the closed position by a latch
18. A handle 20 is provided on the top of the lid 14 to facilitate
carrying of the tackle box.
The tackle box 10 is equipped with a bottom tray 22 which is
connected with the body 12 by links 24 and 26. Each link 24 and 26
is pivoted to the body 12 and to the tray 22. Each link 26 is
extended and pivotally connects at its top end with an intermediate
tray 28. Additional links 30 are pivotally connected with the lower
tray 22 and the intermediate tray 28, and the links 30 are parallel
to links 26. Each of the links 30 is extended and connects
pivotally at its top end with an upper tray 32. A shorter link 34
is pivoted to tray 28 at its lower end and to the upper tray 32 at
its upper end.
Due to the parallel link arrangement by which the trays 22, 28 and
32 are mounted, the trays pivot together between the positions
shown in FIG. 2 and 4. When the lid 14 is moved to the closed
position, the trays are pivoted to a storage position (see FIG. 2)
in which they are stored within the lid and directly overlie one
another in a compact storage arrangement. When the lid 14 is
pivoted to the open position shown in FIG. 4, the trays are
unfolded to the position shown in FIG. 4. In this position, the
trays are offset or staggered so that their contents are
accessible. The construction and mounting of the trays is
conventional and is well known in the industry.
With reference now to FIG. 3 in particular, the upper tray 32 is
provided with partitions 36 which divide the interior of the tray
into a number of compartments 38 in which fishing lures, hooks,
sinkers and other small fishing articles can be stored. The bottom
and intermediate trays 22 and 28 are also preferably partitioned in
order to present compartments for storing fishing items. Each tray
is open at the top.
With continued reference to FIG. 3 in particular, the upper tray 32
is provided with a pair of partitions 40 which extend parallel to
one another along the entire length of the upper tray 32 in order
to provide a trough 42 in the upper tray. The partitions 40 form
opposite sides of the trough 42, while the bottom of the trough is
formed by the horizontal bottom panel 44 (see FIG. 1) of the upper
tray 32.
A flashlight unit which is generally identified by numeral 46 is
carried on the end of a flexible and adjustable mounting arm 48.
The flashlight unit 46 and mounting arm 48 may be stored in the
trough in the storage position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
The mounting arm 48 is constructed of a plurality of individual
links 50 which are connected with one another end to end. Each link
50 has a ball 52 on one end and a socket 54 on the other end. The
balls 52 of the links fit closely in the sockets 54 of the adjacent
links, thus providing a ball and socket connection between each
pair of adjacent links. Because the balls 52 fit snugly in the
sockets 54 and can swivel in them, the arm 48 can be flexed into
virtually any shape that is desired. The close fit between the
balls and sockets maintains the arm in the particular configuration
to which it is manipulated.
As shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 3, a threaded stud 56 has a
ball on one end which is fitted in the socket of the first link 50
of the arm 48. The stud 56 extends through an opening in one end
wall 58 of the upper tray 32 at one end of the trough 42 and is
secured to the wall 58 by a pair of nuts 60 which are threaded onto
the stud. This connects the arm 48 to the upper tray 32.
The opposite end of the arm 48 has another threaded stud 62 having
a ball on one end which is fitted in the socket of the endmost link
50 in the arm 48. The study 62 is threaded into a sleeve 64 and
secured by a nut 66.
The flashlight 46 has a tubular body 68 which houses batteries for
operating the light. One end of the body 68 is fitted in sleeve 64.
A push button switch 70 projects from the end of the body 68 and
may be depressed alternately to energize and deenergize the bulb
(not shown) which is located within the flashlight head 72 on one
end of body 68. The body 68 can slide within sleeve 64 in order to
depress the button 70 by forcing it against the end of the stud 62.
A portion of the body 68 located within the sleeve 64 is provided
with an enlarged collar 74. A pin 76 is secured through an opening
in the sleeve 64 to provide a stop preventing the flashlight unit
46 from being separated from the mounting sleeve 64. The collar 74
is engaged against the pin 76 to limit movement of the body 60 out
of the sleeve 64. At the same time, the body can slide within the
sleeve sufficiently to alternately depress the push button 70 to
turn the flashlight on and off.
As previously indicated, the flashlight 46 and mounting arm 48 are
located in the trough 42 in the storage position. The end of the
trough 42 opposite the end wall 58 is open as indicated by numeral
76. When the flashlight is in the stored position, its head 72
which contains the bulb and lens of the flashlight projects through
the opening 76 and is located adjacent to an end wall 78 of the lid
14. A window opening 80 is formed through the wall 78 at a position
in direct alignment with the flashlight head 72 when the arm and
flashlight are in the storage position in the trough 42. As best
shown in FIG. 4, a sliding door 82 is mounted on the outside
surface of the lid end wall 78 in a frame 84. The door 82 can be
slid back and forth in order to fully expose the opening 80 in the
open position of the door and to block the opening 80 in the closed
position of FIG. 4.
In use of the tackle box 10, the items that are stored in the body
12 and the trays 22, 28 and 32 may be carried with the lid in the
closed position. The tackle box may be opened when access to the
fishing items is desired. When the tackle box is in the open
position shown in FIG. 4, the flashlight 46 and mounting arm 48 may
be removed from the trough 42 for use of the flashlight to provide
adequate illumination during night fishing activities and during
other conditions when the ambient light is inadequate. Because of
the flexible and adjustable construction of the mounting arm 48 and
its ability to maintain the configuration to which it is
manipulated, the light may be positioned in virtually any desired
location and may be aimed in the desired direction. For example,
FIG. 4 shows the light aimed generally toward the body 12 to
facilitate locating items that are stored therein.
When the light is no longer needed, it can be placed back in the
trough 42 along with the mounting arm 48 in the storage position.
It is noted that the light is directed out of the tackle box
through the opening 80 when the light is in the storage position
and the lid 14 is closed. Consequently, the user can keep the light
on when the tackle box is closed in order to provide illumination
through the opening 80. Thus, when the user is walking at night,
the flashlight provides illumination ahead of him in the same
manner as a flashlight held in the hand. However, both the tackle
box and the light 46 are held together in one hand, so the other
hand of the user remains available to carry fishing poles and other
equipment.
When the light 46 is not needed, it can be turned off by sliding it
into the sleeve 64 in order to depress the push button 70. The door
82 can be closed over the opening 80 when the opening is not needed
to transmit illumination from the light.
It is thus apparent that the present invention provides a tackle
box having a built in light source which is useful during night
fishing and which avoids the need for the user to carry a separate
flashlight or other source of light. In addition to being useful
when the tackle box is open and various fishing articles are being
located within the tackle box, the light is also useful when the
tackle box is closed and is being carried from place to place, as
the light can be directed through the opening 80 for this
purpose.
From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well
adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth,
together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are
inherent to the invention.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are
of utility and may be employed without reference to other features
and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the
scope of the claims.
Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is understood that all
matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to
be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *